Greetings from Amazon.com Delivers Christian Music Editor, Mike McGonigal FEATURED IN THIS E-MAIL: * Word For Word: Yolanda Adams * New and Notable: Point Of Grace, Amy Grant, Phillips Craig & Dean, Kathy Troccoli, 4Him, and "Sacred Steel Live" * Free Digital Download: P.O.D. * Shop for Christmas Early at Amazon.com's Christian Store * Heavenly Compilations: Christian and gospel collections * Our Customers Recommend: "Underdog" by Audio Adrenaline * Amazon.com Presents the Best of the Century WORD FOR WORD: YOLANDA ADAMS **************************** "I know that I was put here on earth to encourage people and to tell them that tomorrow will definitely be better than today, especially if they're going through something they think they'll never get out of." --Yolanda Adams Read more of Amazon.com's interview with Yolanda Adams at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=ts/feature/10261 NEW AND NOTABLE *************** "A Christmas Story" Point of Grace http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001R3H8/entertainmentsit Point of Grace has excelled at bringing fresh inspiration to an old genre. "A Christmas Story" delivers the pure magic of Christmas wrapped in a package of classic Yuletide sounds ranging from the bustle of horns and strings to the tranquility of harps and bells. With an enlivening collage of traditional hymns, rambunctious carols, and five new original songs, the record masterfully combines the beauty of the season with the significance and majesty of the event that it celebrates. "A Christmas to Remember" Amy Grant http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000028TV3/entertainmentsit Since 1993, Amy Grant and friends--along with the Nashville Symphony--have taken their brand of musical holiday cheer on limited tours of the U.S., and Grant has recorded two other Christmas full-lengths. So is the third time the charm? Yes and no. Two new original tunes plus a moody, ethereal "Silent Night" and a reworking of Michael W. Smith's "Agnus Dei" are swell, yet elsewhere the singer falls flat. While "A Christmas to Remember" may not be one of Grant's finest moments, after three Christmas albums, what's left to do? "Restoration" Phillips, Craig & Dean http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001ZSUX/entertainmentsit This brilliant trio return with harmony-laden uptempo hits, poignant ballads, and soulful rave-ups. Phillips, Craig & Dean strike gold immediately with the hard-charging and anthemic title track, one of their finer moments in the studio. Randy Phillips's strong, reliable R&B influence can be felt on "Living for Heaven" and "New Millennium," while Shawn Craig slows it down with superb ballads such as "A Place Called Grace." Not bad part-time work for three full- time pastors! "A Sentimental Christmas" Kathy Troccoli http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00001O31N/entertainmentsit Can you believe that after 15-plus years in contemporary Christian music this is Kathy Troccoli's first-ever Christmas offering? In a genre where everyone and his brother has a holiday release, Troccoli's patience is a virtue. Here she allows her classically trained voice to wander through big-band jazz variations on the holiday theme. For example, in "What Child Is This?" Troccoli scats away the chorus in Ella Fitzgeraldlike fashion. A truly outstanding release, and well worth the wait. "Best Ones" 4Him http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000I9DF/entertainmentsit Since 1990 the members of 4Him have busily released albums, gathering awards, receiving recognition, and spending long hours on the road. Today they are among the top Christian pop bands and fans will agree that the time is ripe for a best-of album. This album contains 14 of their best songs and is a soothing mix of celebratory and sober moods. It is not merely the dynamic vocal blending displayed throughout these songs that have gained 4Him their success; the heart and vision behind this music is what has kept legions faithful over the years. "Sacred Steel Live" Various artists http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K2C5/entertainmentsit This rambunctious, spiritually enriched live collection is likely the finest sacred steel disc that Arhoolie records has yet issued. "Sacred steel" is the electric lap and pedal steel guitar playing found in House of God churches across the United States. Influenced by Hawaiian music, blues, and R&B and loaded with soul, this is gospel like you've never heard before. And heard live, the effect of these roaring spirituals is all the more stirring. If you like your gospel charged with electricity--literally and figuratively--this is a must-have disc. FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD: P.O.D. ***************************** California Christian rap-metal band P.O.D. take cues from the likes of Korn and Creed while weaving a surprising spiritual sensibility into their work. You can download the blistering track "Outkast," off their energetic debut "The Fundamental Elements of Southtown," free of charge at Amazon.com. Free Downloads SHOP FOR CHRISTMAS EARLY AT AMAZON.COM'S CHRISTIAN STORE ******************************************************** Don't forget to visit our Christian superstore! Find your favorite Christian books, Bibles, music, videos, toys and games, e-cards, and more in our dedicated Christian environment. There's everything you'll need for your Christmas gift-giving needs. Christian & Gospel HEAVENLY COMPILATIONS ********************* Want some great mix music, spiced with rare and previously unreleased tracks by your favorite artists? Look no further than Amazon.com's list of the finest Christian music compilations available today. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/redirect?tag=entertainmentsit&path=ts/feature/2849 OUR CUSTOMERS RECOMMEND: "UNDERDOG" *********************************** "Underdog" Audio Adrenaline http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K4FS/entertainmentsit A music fan from Baldwin, Wisconsin, raves: "Audio A outdid themselves on this recording. The album starts out strong with the song 'Mighty Good Leader'; later you will hear 'Get Down' (my personal favorite), which is like a mixture of the song 'Big House' and 'Never Gonna Be.' This will definitely be argued as one of the best Christian albums of all time. Peace!" AMAZON.COM PRESENTS THE BEST OF THE CENTURY ******************************************* As the century comes to a close, Amazon.com takes a look at the landmarks in books, music, and video of the past 100 years. Selected by our editors, our lists take you decade by decade from the turn of the century all the way to the end of the millennium. But don't just take our word for it; cast your vote for the best book, video, and CD in our best-of-the-millennium poll for your chance to win our customers' 300 favorite music, book, and video titles. Music of the century ****** Give the Perfect Gift, Get the Perfect Gift Does Aunt Ida send polka CDs when you'd prefer pop? Create an Amazon.com Wish List and save everyone the agony of the unwanted gift. Wish list Clueless as to what to get your Kentucky cousin for Christmas? Send him an e-Card and tell him to set up an Amazon.com Wish List so you can easily find and send him his heart's desire. Wish card ****** You'll find more great music, articles, and interviews in Amazon.com's Christian & Gospel Music section at Christian & Gospel ******
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